The Milwaukee Brewers upgraded their catcher position significantly this offseason. In a blockbuster deal that included the Oakland A’s, the Brewers acquired All-Star catcher William Contreras from the Atlanta Braves. The only player that Milwaukee had to part with in the deal was prospect Esteury Ruiz, who was sent to A’s. Ruiz had originally acquired by the Brewers in the trade that sent Josh Hader to the San Diego Padres.
William Contreras Was, at First, Not Happy About the Trade
Last season, Contreras hit .278/.354/.506 with 20 home runs and 45 RBI for the Braves. The year before, 2021, Contreras won a World Series with the Braves as their backup catcher. When he found out that he had been traded to the Brewers, his response was understandable:
💔💔💔💔💔💔💔💔
— William Contreras (@Wcontreras42) December 12, 2022
It is easy to understand why Contreras would post this reaction. While it is “part of the business,” being forced to uproot one’s family and leave one’s home because your boss tells you to is not a situation with which many fans can identify. Including his seasons in the minors, Contreras was part of the Braves’ organization for seven years. There is a lot of history there.
William Contreras Shares First Photo in Brewers Gear
That all being said, life goes on and Contreras is a professional. With four more seasons of club control remaining, Contreras knows that he will be in Milwaukee for the long-run. Today, he posted his first picture in Brewers’ gear to get fans excited:
Lets do this 🔥🙌 @CervecerosMKE pic.twitter.com/mayv5DNy5L
— William Contreras (@Wcontreras42) January 30, 2023
Brewers Fans React to Contreras’ Photo
After such poor offensive performances from the Brewers in 2022, fans have been ecstatic to have Contreras coming to be a part of the team. This photo ignited renewed excitement from fans on social media. It also drew some posts from Braves fans who are sad that he is no longer on their team.
— SportsTalkATL.com (@SportsTalkATL) January 30, 2023
Fitted https://t.co/zoX9gxsYLF
— jxke (@cantguardjake) January 30, 2023
This hurts https://t.co/lrtkcOgJjW
— Dawson (@Bravesplzwin) January 30, 2023
Looking back, I still cannot believe how bad the Braves got fleeced in this deal. https://t.co/erYPj4uH9Q
— Lenny #Back2Back (@LenochnessMnstr) January 30, 2023
We got ourselves a hitter finally https://t.co/imHdvWdRIf pic.twitter.com/o0fHZmLby7
— buc (@_giannis__) January 30, 2023
That shirt is its own vibe! New #Brewers catcher is ready for the Cactus League! https://t.co/Oj2AQx587e
— The Brewer Nation (@BrewerNation) January 30, 2023
Looking good! 🔥💪 https://t.co/G7dx0a5sHp
— Reviewing the Brew (@ReviewngTheBrew) January 30, 2023
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